The latest weather update from Canal Caribe on the morning of Monday, October 27, verified that Hurricane Melissa has escalated to a Category 5, the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The storm is currently packing sustained winds of 260 km/h with a central pressure of 917 hectoPascal.
Despite these alarming figures, the television broadcast maintained a surprisingly calm demeanor, starkly contrasting the severe warnings issued by the United States' National Hurricane Center (NHC).
During the segment, Cuban meteorologist Ariel Maturel noted that Melissa remains "highly organized" south of Jamaica, moving slowly westward at just 6 km/h, an area characterized by weak steering currents.
Potential Impact on Eastern Cuba
Maturel cautioned that this slow movement heightens the threat of prolonged heavy rains and storm surges over eastern Cuba. However, the national report did not emphasize these dangers.
The broadcast indicated that the greatest likelihood of a direct hit from the hurricane's center is currently aimed at Santiago de Cuba, with potential effects also on Guantánamo and Granma between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The meteorologist suggested that interaction with Jamaica's mountains might cause the cyclone to "weaken slightly," although he acknowledged that once it returns to the sea, it might "regain strength just before approaching southern Cuba."
Contrasting Reports and International Warnings
Notwithstanding these technical warnings, the report concluded by noting that "the rest of the country will experience partial cloudiness and little change in weather," even wishing viewers "an excellent day with good weather," which starkly contradicts the regional severity.
Meanwhile, the NHC and international bodies emphasize that Melissa poses a potentially catastrophic threat to eastern Cuba, where coastal flooding, strong storm surges, and massive evacuations are already underway in municipalities such as San Antonio del Sur and Maisí.
FAQs About Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Cuba
What category is Hurricane Melissa currently?
Hurricane Melissa has reached Category 5, the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
Which areas in Cuba are most at risk from Hurricane Melissa?
The areas most at risk are Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Granma, with significant threats of heavy rain and storm surges.
How is the Cuban government responding to the hurricane threat?
There are reports of coastal flooding, strong storm surges, and massive evacuations in areas like San Antonio del Sur and Maisí.